Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) information

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What is a DBS?

A DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check is a background check used in the UK to review a person’s criminal record and help ensure they are suitable for roles involving public trust. Hackney carriage and Private hire drivers are required to have a DBS check because they regularly work with members of the public, including vulnerable adults and children.

The check helps local authorities confirm that drivers do not have relevant criminal convictions and can safely provide transport, protecting passengers and maintaining public confidence in licensed taxi services.

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What type of DBS do I need?

All licensed drivers must hold a fully Enhanced DBS certificate with an active DBS Update Service subscription for the duration of their licence.

Your DBS certificate must state one of the following job roles exactly:

  • “Other Workforce – Private Hire Driver – Licence Only”
  • “Other Workforce – Taxi Driver – Licence Only”
  • “Other Workforce - Hackney Carriage Driver – Licence Only”
  • “Other Workforce – Private Hire Driver”
  • “Other Workforce – Taxi Driver”
  • “Other Workforce - Hackney Carriage Driver”

Certificates that show a different workforce or job role cannot be accepted.

An Enhanced DBS allows Bradford Council to carry out ongoing checks to identify any new or relevant information that may affect your suitability to hold a licence.

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What is the fee for the DBS check?

The fee for a fully Enhanced DBS check is set by the Disclosure and Barring Service which is currently £57.30. Depending on the company used to facilitate this can range from £60 to £90.

In addition, the DBS Update Service subscription costs £16 per year. This allows your DBS certificate to be checked online and kept up to date, removing the need to apply for a new DBS each year while your subscription remains active.

Maintaining an active Update Service subscription can save drivers time and money in the long term and helps licensing authorities carry out checks more efficiently.

Some organisations may charge an additional administration fee to process DBS applications.

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How do I apply for a fully enhanced DBS?

You can apply for a fully Enhanced DBS certificate through any organisation that is registered as an Umbrella Body with the Disclosure and Barring Service. You are not required to use a specific provider, provided the organisation is authorised to carry out Enhanced DBS checks and submits the application using the correct job role.

If you are an existing driver, please email us at taxi.testing@bradford.gov.uk asking for a new DBS. Please remember to give us your full name and badge number in the email.

For new drivers, we will help you submit a DBS application as part of your New Driver process.

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How to check/enrol/renew the DBS update service

Check

You can check your DBS Update Service subscription online by following the steps below:

  • Log in to your DBS Update Service account
  • Enter your “C” reference number and date of birth
  • Your subscription status and renewal date will be shown on the home screen
  • Check that your subscription is active and note the renewal date
  • Ensure your payment details are up to date to avoid subscription expiry

It is your responsibility to regularly check your subscription and ensure it remains active at all times.

Enrol and renew

To keep your DBS certificate live and up to date, you must enrol with the DBS Update Service. This allows ongoing checks to be carried out and avoids the need for a new enhanced DBS each year, provided your subscription remains active. This subscription is a card payment made every year, if you change your payment card you need to update these with the DBS Update service to avoid it expiring.

How to enrol and renew your subscription

  • Log on and enrol/ renew using your e‑reference number, which will be emailed to you directly by the DBS or by using your certificate number.
  • A £16 annual fee must be paid online by credit or debit card.
  • You will receive a reference number beginning with “C” directly from the DBS. Please keep this number safe, as it is your DBS Update Service reference.
  • This subscription must be renewed every year to remain valid.
  • If you select automatic renewal, the DBS will store your card details and take the £16 payment annually.
  • It is your responsibility to keep your payment details up to date. If a payment fails (for example, due to a new card), your subscription will not renew.

If your DBS Update Service subscription is not renewed, we will be unable to carry out the required checks. In these circumstances, you will be required to complete a new enhanced DBS disclosure.

After enrolling

DBS Update Service subscriptions last for 12 months from the issue date on your DBS certificate. You can renew your subscription each year to continue using the Update Service and keep your DBS status current. When renewed, your new subscription will begin the day after your previous subscription expires.

If you have not selected automatic renewal, you must log in and make a payment within the 30 days before your subscription ends.

  • The DBS will send a reminder email 30 days before expiry from donotreply@dbs.gsi.gov.uk.
    You are advised to add this email address to your safe senders list.
  • If your subscription has not been renewed 14 days before the expiry date, the DBS will also issue a reminder letter.

Important deadlines

  • Your subscription must be renewed by the day before the expiry date.
  • You cannot renew on the expiry date, as your account will close once the subscription expires.

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Missed payments or out of date card details

If you miss a payment or fail to update your card details, your DBS Update Service subscription will expire.

Once expired:

Your DBS certificate can no longer be checked online.

You cannot re subscribe using the same certificate.

You must apply for a new Enhanced DBS check and then enrol in the Update Service again.

To avoid delays or additional costs, it is important to keep your payment details up to date and renew your subscription each year.

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Frequently asked questions

I can’t access my account or have forgotten my “C” number

Please contact the DBS Service directly by calling 03000 200 190.

The DBS may ask you to verify your identity before discussing your account.

Note

The Licensing Service does not hold, store, or have access to DBS Update Service accounts.

I have obtained a new DBS certificate – do I need to inform the Licensing Service?

Yes. We carry out checks using your certificate number.

Please email taxi.testing@bradford.gov.uk with your certificate number and badge number so your records can be updated.

We will request a copy of your certificate through a secure upload link if we need to see this.

I already have a DBS Certificate from my current job or another Licensing Authority – is this acceptable?

It must be a fully Enhanced DBS certificate with an active DBS Update Service subscription for the accepted job role types (listed above).

Certificates showing an alternative workforce or role cannot be accepted.

I have a Basic or Standard DBS – is this acceptable?

No. We can only accept an Enhanced DBS certificate with an active Update Service subscription, showing the correct job role.

Fees

Conditions and standards

Service level agreements - renewal applications

You can view our service level agreement for driver renewal applications here which was previously agreed with the licensed trade in November 2020.

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